Chapter Summaries

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Avalon's three games (Yun, Hearthstone, and Fantasy Westward Journey) explode in popularity, overshadowing Starry Dome Poem.
• Shen Lun, CEO of Nine Heavens, is shocked and frustrated by Avalon's success.
• Wei Chi, the producer of Yun, is offered a job by Shen Lun but declines, choosing to stay with Avalon.

Character Developments

• Shen Lun's confidence is shaken by Avalon's success, leading to outbursts of frustration.
• Wei Chi gains confidence in his game and decides to stay with Avalon, appreciating the opportunities and support he's received.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between established companies (Nine Heavens) and newcomers (Avalon).
• The importance of creativity, support, and opportunities in the game industry.

Character Interactions

• Shen Lun's frustration is evident in his interactions with Yan Yun and Chu Jian.
• Wei Chi's conversation with Shen Lun highlights his loyalty and gratitude towards Avalon.
• Li Xue, as the chief steward of Avalon, maintains her professionalism and efficiency in managing the company.

• The chapter discusses the potential of esports for niche games and the strategy behind Avalon's approach to Hearthstone's tournament.
• Shen Lun, an employee of Nine Heavens, analyzes the situation and believes that Avalon is using the tournament to create a false consensus and manipulate consumption.
• Tang Yao, the CEO of Avalon, reveals her true intentions, which are to enhance the game's influence and maintain the vibrancy of the player community, not to manipulate consumption.
• Tang Yao introduces a new game, Undertale, to Si Jinliang and Wei Chi, the producers of Hearthstone and Yun respectively. The game features a unique concept where players can choose to spare or kill monsters, with consequences for their actions.
• Si Jinliang and Wei Chi are both interested in making Undertale and agree to take on the project once their current games are stable.
• Tang Yao convinces Si Jinliang to be the commentator for the Hearthstone tournament, despite his initial reluctance.
• The chapter ends with the gaming industry reacting to Avalon's success in the mobile gaming market, realizing that they have fallen behind.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Avalon's mobile games, particularly Hearthstone, gain massive popularity, causing a stir in the gaming industry.
• Traditional game companies scramble to enter the mobile game market, leading to a heated competition.
• Avalon's valuation skyrockets, and headhunters, investment firms, and interview requests pour in.
• Lin Shuang, an investor who missed the opportunity to invest in Avalon, regrets her decision.
• Tang Yao watches Si Jinliang's commentary clips and considers Avalon's future direction.

Character Developments

• Tang Yao: She's relaxed and content with Avalon's success but feels tired from the intense work and wants to explore new game directions. She considers making a 3D single-player game for experience but hasn't decided on a suitable game yet.
• Lin Shuang: She regrets not investing in Avalon and feels bitter about missing the opportunity.

Significant Themes

• The mobile game market's rapid growth and intense competition.
• The consequences of missed opportunities and regret.
• Tang Yao's introspection and consideration of Avalon's future direction.

Character Interactions

• Tang Yao and Tang Xun: The sisters discuss their summer vacation plans. Tang Xun suggests going to Sakura Mansion with private hot spring pools, and Tang Yao agrees. They briefly discuss their New Year's bathing incident, with Tang Yao feeling guilty for not keeping her promise to Li Xue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Yao decides to go to a hot spring with her sister Tang Xun.
• Tang Yao and Li Xue discuss Avalon's future game plans. Li Xue expresses concern about Avalon's strategy shift and suggests making a PC game that can later be ported to mobile.
• Tang Yao decides to make Dungeon & Fighter as Avalon's first PC game.
• Li Xue asks to join Tang Yao and Tang Xun's hot spring trip.

Character Developments

• Tang Yao: Shows consideration for her sister's feelings and decides to go to a hot spring with her. She also demonstrates her strategic thinking in discussing Avalon's game plans with Li Xue.
• Li Xue: Shows her business acumen and concern for Avalon's future. She also expresses her desire to join Tang Yao's hot spring trip, hinting at her growing affection for Tang Yao.
• Tang Xun: Not present in this chapter, but her desire to go to a hot spring with her sister is mentioned.

Significant Themes

• Sisterly affection and bonding: Tang Yao's decision to go to a hot spring with Tang Xun highlights their close sisterly bond.
• Business strategy and decision-making: The discussion between Tang Yao and Li Xue about Avalon's future game plans showcases their strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Growing affection: Li Xue's desire to join Tang Yao's hot spring trip hints at her growing feelings for Tang Yao.

Character Interactions

• Tang Yao and Tang Xun: Their close sisterly bond is evident in their decision to go to a hot spring together.
• Tang Yao and Li Xue: Their professional and friendly relationship is shown in their discussion about Avalon's future game plans. Li Xue's growing affection for Tang Yao is also hinted at in her desire to join Tang Yao's hot spring trip.
• Tang Yao and Li Xue's interaction also hints at a potential romantic tension, with Li Xue's unusual behavior and Tang Yao's internal thoughts about Li Xue's motives for joining the trip.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Yao proposes two games: Dungeon & Fighter (DNF) and a Left 4 Dead-like horror shooter.
• Avalon's core team shows enthusiasm for working on these projects.
• Tang Yao decides to make DEMOs for both games to verify their feasibility.

Character Developments

• Tang Yao shows her versatility and interest in various game genres.
• Li Xue demonstrates her understanding and support of Tang Yao's decisions.
• Avalon's core team exhibits their passion and eagerness to work on new projects.

Significant Themes

• The evolution of games and game companies over time.
• The importance of verifying game concepts before full-scale development.
• The enthusiasm and passion of game developers.

Character Interactions

• Tang Yao and Li Xue have a professional and supportive relationship.
• Tang Yao introduces Li Xue to her sister, Tang Xun.
• Avalon's core team interacts with Tang Yao, expressing their interest in working on her proposed games.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Yao and Tang Xun arrive at a hot spring inn in Hakone for a trip.
• Tang Yao books two rooms, sharing one with Tang Xun, while Li Xue takes the other.
• They have dinner together, with Tang Yao finding the kaiseki cuisine not to her liking.
• After dinner, Tang Yao decides to bathe in the hot spring with Tang Xun, changing into a swimsuit.
• Tang Xun expresses her disapproval, but ultimately joins her sister in the hot spring.

Character Developments

• Tang Yao: Shows her mature and full figure, struggles with her identity and comfort in her new body, ultimately decides to embrace it.
• Tang Xun: Initially aloof and cool, shows her reliance on her sister, expresses her preference for Tang Yao's natural state.
• Li Xue: Briefly appears, seems disappointed about not sharing a room with Tang Yao.

Significant Themes

• Identity and acceptance of one's body.
• Sisterly bond and reliance.
• Embracing one's natural state.

Character Interactions

• Tang Yao and Tang Xun: Show a close, sisterly bond. Tang Yao teases Tang Xun, while Tang Xun expresses her thoughts and concerns.
• Tang Yao and Li Xue: Li Xue seems to have a crush on Tang Yao, but Tang Yao is oblivious. They have a friendly interaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Yao and Tang Xun return to the inn after their hot spring soak.
• Tang Yao, in a yukata, helps Tang Xun change and falls asleep in her arms.
• Tang Yao stands under the moonlight, reflecting on her feelings and decisions.
• Li Xue arrives, and Tang Yao invites her to soak in the hot spring together.
• They spend the night soaking in the hot spring, playing around, and talking.

Character Developments

• Tang Yao: Realizes and accepts her identity as a girl, feels more at ease and relaxed, and decides to embrace her life and relationships in this world.
• Tang Xun: Sleeps peacefully in Tang Yao's arms, showing her dependence and trust in her sister.
• Li Xue: Shows her shyness and vulnerability, revealing that she's afraid of the dark and has insecurities about her body.

Significant Themes

• Identity and self-acceptance: Tang Yao finally embraces her identity as a girl and her life in this world.
• Sisterly bond: Tang Yao and Tang Xun's bond deepens as they spend time together and show affection towards each other.
• Female friendship: Tang Yao and Li Xue's friendship grows stronger as they spend time together and share personal moments.

Character Interactions

• Tang Yao and Tang Xun: The sisters show affection and care for each other, with Tang Yao helping Tang Xun change and the latter falling asleep in her arms.
• Tang Yao and Li Xue: The two women spend a relaxing night together in the hot spring, playing around, and having a heart-to-heart conversation. They grow closer and more comfortable with each other.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Yao and Li Xue bathe together in the hot spring, marking a shift in their relationship.
• Tang Yao decides to embrace her new identity and accepts the memories of her past life.
• Tang Yao, Tang Xun, and Li Xue go out for breakfast and decide to spend the day exploring the area.

Character Developments

• Tang Yao: She accepts her new identity and becomes more cheerful and confident.
• Tang Xun: She notices the change in her sister but is unsure about the cause.
• Li Xue: She observes Tang Yao's change and speculates that it's due to relaxation from the vacation.

Significant Themes

• Acceptance of change and new identities.
• Sisterly bond between Tang Yao and Tang Xun.
• Growing relationship between Tang Yao and Li Xue.

Character Interactions

• Tang Yao and Li Xue: They share a moment of intimacy in the hot spring, leading to a deeper connection.
• Tang Yao and Tang Xun: Tang Yao treats Tang Xun more like a sister and less like a responsibility, leading to a more relaxed dynamic between them.
• Li Xue and Tang Xun: Li Xue visits Tang Xun, and they discuss Tang Yao's change together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Yao, Tang Xun, and Li Xue visit Hakone's attractions, including the ropeway, Owakudani, Lake Ashi, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
• Tang Yao shares her idea for a horror game, inspired by the Outlast series, with Li Xue and Tang Xun.
• The cable car incident results in a candid and intimate photo of the three of them.
• At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, they take a foot bath together, leading to playful interactions.

Character Developments

• Tang Yao: She shows her creative and entrepreneurial spirit by proposing a horror game idea. She also demonstrates her care for her sister and Li Xue by ensuring they have a good time together.
• Tang Xun: She becomes more comfortable around Li Xue, showing signs of acceptance and friendship. She also displays her playful side during the foot bath.
• Li Xue: She shows her professionalism by discussing business matters with Tang Yao, but also her playful side by joining in the foot bath fun. She also shows her affection for Tang Yao and Tang Xun through her actions.

Significant Themes

• Sisterly Bond: Tang Yao and Tang Xun's bond is strengthened throughout the trip, with Tang Yao showing care and concern for her sister.
• Friendship: Li Xue and Tang Xun become more comfortable around each other, showing signs of a growing friendship.
• Creativity and Entrepreneurship: Tang Yao's idea for a horror game showcases her creative and entrepreneurial spirit.

Character Interactions

• Tang Yao, Tang Xun, and Li Xue interact playfully throughout the trip, with Tang Yao often being the target of their teasing.
• Tang Yao and Li Xue discuss business matters, showing their professional relationship.
• Tang Yao, Tang Xun, and Li Xue have a relaxing and enjoyable time together, strengthening their bond.

• Key Plot Points and Events: Tang Yao returns to work after her holiday, feeling unmotivated. She decides to write the sheet music for the login music of Dungeon & Fighter to combat her post-vacation blues.
• Character Developments: Tang Yao shows her interest and talent in music, recalling her past experiences with game music. Li Xue is surprised by Tang Yao's unexpected musical abilities.
• Significant Themes: The theme of finding motivation and novelty in one's work is explored. Tang Yao's past experiences and interests influence her current actions.
• Character Interactions: Tang Yao and Li Xue interact at work, with Li Xue expressing surprise at Tang Yao's musical abilities. Their dynamic is friendly and supportive.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Yao starts writing game music for Dungeon & Fighter to combat her holiday syndrome.
• She visits the Dungeon & Fighter project team and watches a demo of the Ghostblade class, impressed by the Extreme Sword Skill: Storm.
• The project team expresses concerns about the game's direction, as 3D games are the current mainstream.

Character Developments

• Tang Yao shows maturity and leadership, addressing the team's concerns and boosting their morale.
• Li Xue shows understanding and support towards Tang Yao's work ethic and talent.
• Yu Lili, the project team leader, demonstrates dedication and passion for the game's development.

Significant Themes

• The importance of gameplay over graphics in video games.
• The challenges and opportunities of developing a 2D side-scrolling game in a 3D-dominated market.

Character Interactions

• Tang Yao and Li Xue's relationship continues to develop, with Li Xue showing understanding and support towards Tang Yao's work.
• Tang Yao interacts with the Dungeon & Fighter project team, addressing their concerns and boosting their morale.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jin Feng, the new CEO of Easy Game, cancels all 2D and most PC game projects, focusing on mobile games.
• He gives producers three months to transition to mobile games or face resignation.
• Avalon, meanwhile, is not planning to make any more mobile games and is working on three PC games, including a Left 4 Dead-like FPS.

Character Developments

• Jin Feng: Assertive, decisive, and focused on mobile games as the future.
• Tang Yao: Returns from vacation to find Avalon busy with various projects. She's dedicated and responsible, trying to help where she can.

Significant Themes

• The shift in the gaming industry towards mobile games.
• The struggle between old and new ideas within a company (Easy Game).
• The importance of adaptability and change in the face of market trends.

Character Interactions

• Jin Feng interacts with Easy Game producers, imposing his will and demanding they adapt to his mobile game focus.
• Tang Yao interacts with various Avalon project teams, providing guidance and support as needed. She also has a productive discussion with Li Zhongzhi about the Left 4 Dead project.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Easy Game's new CEO lays off half of the game department, including the engine team, due to cost and the mobile game era.
• Tang Yao learns about this and sees an opportunity to hire the laid-off engine team for Avalon.
• Zhang Mingyuan, the technical director of the engine team, visits Avalon to discuss a potential move.
• Tang Yao presents a proposal to Zhang Mingyuan, outlining a comprehensive technical development roadmap and budget for his team.
• Tang Yao reveals plans to launch two 3D games, Left 4 Dead and Outlast, to support the engine development.

Character Developments

• Tang Yao demonstrates her knowledge and vision in game engine development, impressing Zhang Mingyuan.
• Zhang Mingyuan is initially skeptical about joining Avalon but becomes more enthusiastic as Tang Yao discusses her plans.

Significant Themes

• The high cost and long-term investment required for game engine development.
• The shift in the gaming industry towards mobile games and the impact on engine development.
• The importance of patience and resource investment in game engine development.

Character Interactions

• Tang Yao and Zhang Mingyuan have a detailed and technical discussion about game engine development, leading to Zhang Mingyuan's interest in joining Avalon.
• Li Xue, Kang Ming, and Li Zhongzhi are surprised by Tang Yao's knowledge of game engine development.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Mingyuan, the lead of Easy Game's engine team, is recruited by Avalon, along with his team.
• Avalon absorbs many experienced game production staff from Easy Game, alleviating their personnel shortage.
• The Outlast project team is assembled, with a mix of former Easy Game and Avalon staff.
• Jin Feng, CEO of Easy Game, feels uneasy and displeased about Avalon recruiting their laid-off staff but later dismisses it as a nouveau riche mentality.

Character Developments

• Zhang Mingyuan: Initially skeptical about Avalon's mobile game focus, he becomes excited and eager to join after seeing Tang Yao's understanding of game engines and Avalon's commitment to large-scale 3D games.
• Tang Yao: Confident in Avalon's potential, she recruits Zhang Mingyuan's team and absorbs experienced staff from Easy Game to strengthen her company.
• Jin Feng: Initially unsettled by Avalon's actions, he later dismisses it as a waste of resources and expresses confidence in Easy Game's mobile game focus.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between established companies and startups in the gaming industry.
• The value of experienced staff and their impact on a company's growth.
• The importance of understanding and aligning with a company's goals and vision.

Character Interactions

• Tang Yao and Zhang Mingyuan: Tang Yao successfully recruits Zhang Mingyuan and his team by demonstrating her understanding of game engines and Avalon's commitment to large-scale 3D games.
• Jin Feng and his assistant: Jin Feng discusses Avalon's actions with his assistant, expressing his initial unease and later dismissing it as a waste of resources.
• Avalon's project teams: The newly formed Outlast project team begins their first brainstorming session, with a mix of former Easy Game and Avalon staff.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Avalon's engine team and development teams begin discussing and planning for a multi-platform game engine, aiming to support PC and console releases.
• Tang Yao realizes the rapid growth and popularity of ANF, with monthly active users surpassing 75 million, and decides to focus her attention on Games while entrusting other businesses to Li Xue.
• Tang Yao decides to personally oversee the overseas distribution of Hearthstone.

Character Developments

• Zhang Mingyuan and the engine team show ambition and confidence in their work, aiming to create a superior game engine for Avalon.
• Tang Yao recognizes the need to delegate responsibilities and focus on Games, entrusting other businesses to Li Xue.
• Li Xue demonstrates her capabilities and willingness to manage Avalon's businesses, supporting Tang Yao's decision to focus on Games.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and growth: The characters' ambition drives them to strive for excellence in their respective fields, leading to the rapid development of Avalon's businesses.
• Delegation of responsibilities: Tang Yao recognizes the need to entrust other businesses to Li Xue, allowing her to focus on Games and paving the way for Avalon's future growth.
• Multi-platform development: The engine team and development teams discuss the possibility of creating a multi-platform game engine, aiming to release games on PC and consoles.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Mingyuan leads the engine team in discussing the development of a new game engine, with team members contributing their ideas and expertise.
• Tang Yao and Li Xue discuss the future of Avalon's businesses, with Li Xue reassuring Tang Yao that she will handle other areas while Tang Yao focuses on Games.
• Tang Yao decides to personally oversee the overseas distribution of Hearthstone, indicating her continued involvement in and support for the game.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Mingyuan and his team at Avalon successfully refactor the Easy Game engine, improving cross-platform compatibility and visuals.
• Tang Yao oversees the overseas distribution of Hearthstone, ensuring multilingual versions pass cultural review.
• Damian, a video creator, receives an exclusive preview of Hearthstone from Avalon.

Character Developments

• Zhang Mingyuan leads his team to overcome challenges and improve the engine, showing his determination and leadership.
• Tang Yao demonstrates her responsibility and attention to detail in overseeing the overseas distribution of Hearthstone.
• Damian, initially disinterested in a card game, becomes engrossed in Hearthstone after playing it, showing his open-mindedness and passion for gaming.

Significant Themes

• Overcoming Challenges: Zhang Mingyuan and his team face and overcome technical hurdles in engine refactoring, reflecting the theme of perseverance and growth.
• Cultural Adaptability: Tang Yao ensures Hearthstone's multilingual versions pass cultural review, highlighting the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences.
• Prejudice and Discovery: Damian initially has preconceived notions about card games but discovers the unique appeal of Hearthstone, challenging his prejudices.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Mingyuan interacts with his team, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Tang Yao communicates with the localization team, demonstrating her trust and respect for their expertise.
• Damian interacts with a player during his initial Hearthstone experience, leading to a shared enthusiasm for the game.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Damian, a gaming reviewer, discovers and reviews Hearthstone, sparking significant interest overseas.
• Hearthstone's overseas launch coincides with a large-scale promotion, leading to a surge in popularity.
• Avalon's competitors, Easy Game and Nine Heavens, react to Hearthstone's success.

Character Developments

• Damian: Realizes the potential of digital card games and becomes an advocate for Hearthstone.
• Tang Yao: Experiences a sense of accomplishment and pride in Hearthstone's overseas success.
• Li Xue: Expresses admiration and amazement at Tang Yao's achievements.
• Jin Feng (Easy Game): Becomes more determined to succeed in the mobile gaming market.
• Shen Lun (Nine Heavens): Struggles to understand why Avalon's mobile games are successful.

Significant Themes

• The potential of digital card games and mobile gaming.
• The impact of reviews and promotions on a game's success.
• Competition and rivalry in the gaming industry.

Character Interactions

• Damian and his audience: Damian's review video ignites the passion of many card players, leading to a surge in Hearthstone's popularity.
• Tang Yao and Li Xue: Li Xue expresses her admiration and amazement at Tang Yao's achievements, leading to a moment of pride for Tang Yao.
• Jin Feng and his team: Jin Feng becomes more determined to succeed in the mobile gaming market, leading to a renewed focus on mobile game development.
• Shen Lun and his team: Shen Lun struggles to understand why Avalon's mobile games are successful, leading to a reevaluation of their own strategies.

Plot Points and Events

• Mobile phone manufacturers contact Avalon, suspected to be for cooperation or securing Avalon for future channels.
• Tang Yao and Li Xue discuss strategies, deciding to compete on game quality and content, building their own channels.
• Ji Zhuo, president of Lanhe Technology, tries to invite Avalon to join their mobile app store, aiming to form an app store alliance later.

Character Developments

• Tang Yao: Shows strategic thinking, considering long-term game development and channel independence.
• Li Xue: Demonstrates understanding and support for Tang Yao's decisions, taking initiative in handling matters.
• Ji Zhuo: Reveals ambition to control the mobile game market through app store channels.

Significant Themes

• Channel dominance vs. content dominance in the mobile game market.
• The potential of mobile games and their impact on hardware development.
• The struggle for control and profit between game developers and channel providers.

Character Interactions

• Tang Yao and Li Xue: Show growing trust and understanding, working together to decide Avalon's strategy.
• Tang Yao and Ji Zhuo: Indirectly clash over control and profit, with Tang Yao preferring content dominance and Ji Zhuo aiming for channel hegemony.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hearthstone's popularity grows overseas, attracting mainstream review media.
• Domestic mobile game manufacturers and mobile phone companies show interest in cooperating with Avalon due to Hearthstone's success.
• Avalon declines offers from mobile phone companies to build their own game channel.
• Tang Yao decides to try wearing a skirt to satisfy Li Xue.

Character Developments

• Tang Yao shows resolve in her decisions and is willing to take on challenges.
• Li Xue demonstrates her professionalism and dedication to her work.
• Tang Xun displays her affection and care for her sister.

Significant Themes

• The importance of distribution channels in the mobile game market.
• The tension between cooperation and independence in the gaming industry.
• The complex dynamics of relationships and expectations between friends and sisters.

Character Interactions

• Tang Yao and Li Xue's interaction shows their mutual respect and understanding, with Li Xue supporting Tang Yao's decisions and Tang Yao willing to compromise to make Li Xue happy.
• Tang Yao and Tang Xun's interaction highlights their close sisterly bond, with Tang Xun being excited about Tang Yao's decision to try wearing a skirt.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Yao tests the Left 4 Dead DEMO, which has potential despite flaws.
• Avalon's staff show initiative in planning for console development.
• Nine Heavens, Easy Game, and Lanhe Technology form a "Mobile Game Ecosystem Alliance," launching games on July 26th.
• The alliance's games, Starry Dome Poem and Blood Alliance, achieve over 300,000 downloads on the first day.

Character Developments

• Tang Yao shows understanding and support for her team's initiative.
• Li Zhongzhi demonstrates his ambition and drive for console development.
• Ji Zhuo, Shen Lun, and Jin Feng show determination to compete with Avalon in the mobile game market.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and drive within Avalon's team.
• Competition and cooperation in the mobile game market.
• The potential of mobile games as a market and the challenges they pose to established companies.

Character Interactions

• Tang Yao and Li Zhongzhi discuss console development plans.
• Tang Yao and Li Xue discuss the Mobile Game Ecosystem Alliance and its implications for Avalon.
• Ji Zhuo, Shen Lun, and Jin Feng cooperate to challenge Avalon's dominance in the mobile game market.